摘要：

Studies have increased knowledge about dengue viruses and the diseases they cause. However, the goals of a safe, effective vaccine and vector eradication have been elusive. Control of dengue has been difficult to achieve because of some reasons. First, there are lack of good animal models for dengue disease and for evaluation of vaccine safety and efficacy. Second, it has been difficult to develop vaccines capable of inducing balanced immunity to all four serotypes, and a tetravalent vaccine will be necessary in order to minimize the risk for severe disease resulting from secondary dengue virus infections. Third, the dengue viruses and mosquito vectors are becoming increasingly widespread and the incidence of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is rising. A better understanding of vector–virus–human host interactions and the development of new rapid diagnostic assays can help in devising effective measures for monitoring and controlling outbreaks. Data from vaccine trials are promising and new developments in this area are expected. Genetically engineered vaccine candidates, such as chimeric dengue viruses, offer hope for more predictable attenuation of virulence and balanced immunogenicity.

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